Naida Lynn croons her original composition “Wise Words” amid playful guitar strings. If she wanted to, she could probably sing the track in French, Creole, or even Spanish. Her tongue can spin words in five languages, after all. Her multilingual abilities mirror her multi-style abilities when it comes to music. One minute you can pick up India Irie influence in Naida Lynn’s voice, and the next minute you can sniff Whitney Houston in her notes, and in the next song you can detect a Patti Austin-deepness.

K. St. Fort: Tell us about yourself. 

I am the happiest person I know! I love life, I love who I am, and I find joy in helping other people experience that reality too. Born and raised in South Florida, I am a first generation Haitian-American who speaks 5 languages. In the humblest sense, I have way too many talents and passions to choose just one. Because of that, much of my time is spent living fully, thinking deeply, and pursuing all of the beauties in life as they come! A few words that describe me best include: passionate, adventurous, sensitive, and thoughtful. I sing. I write. I teach. I fly—all of which are ways that I am able to spread the message of hope, purpose, and freedom that I know intimately. I am a Christian. In fact, I am utterly, emphatically, and incandescently in love with Jesus. He is the source of my joy and is the reason I have the drive to make a difference in this world.

I’ve come to a place in life where I finally believe that I am enough. For years I lived the lie that I had to act like someone else to be accepted. I put my best foot forward always in an attempt to hide my insecurities. But the day I decided to show up to my own life, accept every part of me, and live vulnerably–is the day I discovered the real me.

I am a hot mess, yet I am lovely. I am down to earth yet super-fashionable. I am often confident and often insecure.  I am ever growing into a better person however, once a month, I am not the nicest person to be around! [Laughter] I am me. I am Naida. And whether people like it or not, I will live nothing less than unapologetically me!

K. St. Fort: Did you know that your name means “Water Nymph”?

Yes! I actually did! [grins] I discovered that some time ago, and thought it was so fitting to my personality! According to Greek Mythology, those water nymphs used to guard various bodies of water, served as mother figures to young ones, and would marry kings in their days. I like to think that I’m secretly royalty and will marry a king! [Laughter] Not to mention that I’ve always been fascinated with the depths of water and mentoring others like a matriarch.

K. St. Fort: Speaking of water…how do you keep your head above water in this business…in the sense of keeping yourself level-headed?

What a great question! Honestly, it’s reminding myself daily about who I am, what I stand for, and what is right for me to be doing at any given moment. The only time when I am overwhelmed and ‘drowning’ in this business is when I’m distracted. It’s so easy to compare yourself to other people and to begin to look down on yourself. I decided some time ago that I’d do my best to keep my focus while appreciating what others are doing. As amazing and ‘ahead of me’ as they may seem, that’s their journey! I have my own walk that will look different, smell different, and sound different. But as long as I’m true to me, I’ll be a’okay! [Smile]

Thinking like that keeps me grounded!

K. St. Fort: So,  I read that you wrote a song about pumpkin soup, chile. 

Yes! Soup joumou. [grins]I am Haitian to the core! And as you may know, we celebrate Haiti’s independence at New Year’s time. Soup Joumo—or pumpkin soup) is our traditional cuisine that we eat! It’s something we all look forward to each year. As the time to have it approached last December, I couldn’t help but get excited. The song kind of came to me soon after so I posted a video of it![Laughter]. A lot of people got a kick out of it, which is awesome! [smiles]

K. St. Fort: Have your parents been your biggest champions when it comes to your being involved in the music industry? 

Hmm…Yes and no. My journey with music is interesting in that I tend to think my passion for it came before my talent! The reason I share that in this context is because both of my parents later admitted that they are pleasantly surprised at how much I’ve come around because of how much I sucked when I was younger! [Laughter]

You see, I’ve always loved singing! But that doesn’t mean I always knew how![Laughter] I now realize that it’s probably because I didn’t understand my voice and the fact that it is naturally alto/deep. So when my high-pitch singing, soprano sister would sing, I would mimic her, trying to force the sounds out to be just like her! It wasn’t very pretty! [Laughter] But I just kept singing! People would tell me I sounded bad and to stop but I didn’t want to!

Eventually when I was in my teens, I began to get a little better. Then at 16 years old, someone invited me to sing at their church event. When my mother got wind that I’d be singing in public, she emphatically tried to stop me because she didn’t want me to embarrass myself! [Laughter] She said, “Naida, there are some people who sing in public. But then there are others who sing privately among family because our voices aren’t the best. I am like that and so are you. Please don’t do this to yourself.” Gotta love my momma. [Grins] I decided to go anyway, as there was one mentor who believed in my singing, (albeit, by faith).

The rest is history! I kept singing, kept getting better, and began to harness my own voice. Later, my dad (and mom) expressed their new found faith that anyone can master anything because of how I did! My dad later bought me my first guitar and now the both of them are some of my biggest fans!

As they say, life’s a journey. Just give people some time to get on board! [Laughter]

K. St. Fort: Musically-speaking, who do you admire?

Yay! Thank you for asking this question! I’m so excited because I love talking about the people who inspire me and who I admire! The main ones are Tori Kelly, a band by the name of Johnnyswim, and another band named For King and Country. What I love about each of them is their transparency, the way they’ve broken molds, and the way they each live unapologetic, quality lives of inspiration, purpose, and fun! They’ve definitely influenced me.

Regarding those who have influenced me musically, I actually struggle to pinpoint it. Growing up, I was exposed mostly to Haitian Hymnals, popular boy bands, CCM, and other known pop singers. Outside of the Backstreet Boys, I never really took a deep liking to any particular person such that their styles predominantly leaked into mine. Because of that, a lot of my music is diverse—one minute incorporating the swing-sway rhythms of the islands and the next, popping like a 90’s rock song.

However, if I absolutely had to say one person who stood out amongst the hodgepodge of music I consumed, it would be a little known artist by the name of Warren Barfield. It wasn’t till about a year ago that I stumbled upon his music and realized that a good portion of my songs resembled his style. I was really into his music in my early 20’s, which is around the time when much of my songwriting began to take shape. So, there you go!

[Photography Credit: Timed Beauty by Sally, Oscar Torres and Behind the Face Photography]

This concludes Part 1 of the interview with Naida Lynn. Be sure to look out for Part 2. Meanwhile…

CLICK HERE to buy her music on iTunes.

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Kreyolicious Artist Spotlight…in which…in which I present to you, dear kreyolicious cheries…to an artist you should know about. Today’s person of interest is a fifteen-year-old named Laureine Lilavois, a songbird based in Port-au-Prince. She tells me that she recorded her first song “The Same” (available on iTunes) at just 13. Amazing no? What’s more amazing is that on her song “The Same”, she displays all the vocal maturity you’d expect of someone of her age flipped—some 31-year old. File her under soft-core R&B with just, just a tinge of a world sound.

Let’s get to know her better dear kreyolicious cheries.

Kreyolicious—Tell us more about yourself.

I am currently in Secondaire Un—10th grade—and have done all my studies in the Haitian-French system. I love going to the beach and hanging out with my friends. I love to be myself—no matter how weird it may seem to others. Luckily, my friends are just as weird as me and we usually have a great time no matter what we are doing or where we are.

Kreyolicious: Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey?

No hesitation there: Whitney Houston. I choose her because she has a powerful voice—and above all—I feel the emotions rushing out through the words as she sings. She makes me feel the pain or joy she felt when she wrote or sang the song.

Kreyolicious: Do you drink lemon tea and honey to take care of your voice as some singers tend to do?

Yes. I especially use honey. It helps to clear up my vocal chords.

Kreyolicious: I read that you were born in the USA, and moved back to Haiti with your parents.

I moved to Haiti with my parents at the age of one. I grew up here. It’s my home. I travel to the States a few times a year for vacation and to visit family.

Kreyolicious: From your view of things, how is the musical scene in Haiti looking right now?

The music scene in Haiti now is awesome. We have our konpa, but we listen to all types of music here. We celebrate and encourage all genres of music in Haiti and have many festivals and parties allowing artists from around the world to showcase [themselves].

Kreyolicious: Will you be releasing an album soon? What do you have cooking musically?

For the moment, I am focusing on my studies. I have many songs written in their preliminary stages. When a topic comes to mind or something or someone inspires me, I write it down in my music journal. I have a few favorites and hope someday to complete them and share with the world.

Kreyolicious: How did you know that you had it in you—this singing thing?

My parents say I’ve been singing even before I could speak. [Laughter] I had my first onstage singing experience in Kindergarten. I’ve always loved singing, it’s just a part of me.

Kreyolicious: And what do your parents have to say about all of this? Are they like, “Laureine girl, as long as you become a nurse on the side, it’s perfectly okay if you pump up that microphone”?

My parents are my biggest supporters. They have encouraged me all along the way and I know they always will. Of course, like most parents, they want me to graduate from college—which I fully intend to do.

[All photos courtesy of BlowUp Records.]

PURCHASE LAUREINE’S MUSIC ON iTunes | LAUREINE ON INSTAGRAM |

Tamara Weber-Fillion calls her debut album Time, Wind and Fire, and by all indication, those elements were factors in her overall success as a singer.

Photo Credit: Kelly Jacob
Starting with time…great timing…on the advice of a music coach, the singer auditioned for La Voix (Canada’s edition of The Voice) in 2010, and became one of the show’s breakout stars that season. Fire…she’s got fire. You can see it when she performs on stage and when she belts out songs like her rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Doors”. At the time she’s answering my questions, she was in a middle of a Canadian tour that brought her and her band’s members (Rosemarie Richard and Rachel Hardy-Berlinguet) to Canadian cities Montreal, Lavaltrie, Beloeil, and Ste-Marie-de-Beauce.

Kreyolicious: Tell us about yourself. And share some musical memories growing up.
I’m a big dreamer, but I always thought that everything was possible and I think that served me well up to now. [Smile] I remember clearly stealing my brother’s guitar to learn by myself when he was away. And also bying a few cd’s and learning all the lyrics, trying to sing like my favorite artists which were Avril Lavigne, Justin Timberlake and Our Lady Peace at that time.

Kreyolicious: Was there something about your upbringing that pulled you towards music?
I don’t really know, it was always in me.. I had to touch everything I saw that made sounds… I was always interested without knowing why. Nobody plays music in my family, but they all enjoy listening to it.

Kreyolicious: You entitled your album…Time…Wind and Fire. Why?
I put a lot of thoughts into my first album’s title. First, it was an album that took five years over all since the first song (“Unsettled Heartbeats”) was written an its release. “Time”. Im a little obssessed with astrology, i’m was born under a wind sign and been in a meaningful relationship for almost three of these five years with a fire sign “wind & fire”. It was also a hint to a book of my favorite author, Antoine de St-Exupery, Sand, Wind and Stars.

Kreyolicious: Coincidentally, your album’s title has the same initials as you. Was that intentional?
Yes. It was intentional.

Kreyolicious: What was it like putting the album together?
I wanted to make a personal album since it was my first one, so a lot of my friends are part of it…I wanted to be entirely me. It took a while, but it was a lot of fun and it’s been recorded in an old-fashion way. All the musicians together and we recorded the voices after.

Kreyolicious: When you were on La Voix…Did you feel any pressure…either internal or from tradition…to do a cover instead?
I didn’t perform any original song on La Voix…It’s forbidden in the rules of the contest, but I wish I could have.

Kreyolicious: You play the guitar expertly. You’re no novice. So, what advice would you give to someone who is?
I don’t consider myself as an expert guitarist at all. It’s more to accompany myself. I feel better with my guitar. I never feel alone with it—even though I am sometimes on stage, it gives me strength. The only advice I would have to give is to never give up, because it’s not always easy, but practice and believing makes everything possible. [Smiles] This advice can apply on everything in the [entertainment] business too.

Kreyolicious: Does your Canadian-Haitian heritage play a role in your music?
Not necessarily in my music, but in my motivation for sure. I always wanted to give back what I had and this is more than luck. It is love.

Kreyolicious: You’ve been to Haiti?
I’ve been to Haiti twice to build a school with the Mark Bourque association…

Kreyolicious: When you’re on stage…how do you maintain your connection to your fans?
I don’t have any tricks to maintain the connection, but I’m a pretty empathetic and emotional person and I believe I reach people with my own way of feeling even with my eyes closed.

Kreyolicious: While we’re on that topic…what are you preparing musically for them?
I’m actually working on my second album wich I hope will be ready before the end of the year.

Kreyolicious: Half-a-century from now, when a musical expert and biographer is analyzing your music and your life…how do you want to be remembered…what do you think they’ll say about you?

I hope that they will talk about me as a strong woman that made a positive impact as a musician and as a human being, because I’m planning on using my differences to help other people to accept themselves and knowing that they are beautiful the way they are. I also want to help in less fortunate countries—especially Haïti.

Special thanks to Six Media for making this interview possible.

Visit Tamara Weber-Filion’s Website| BUY HER MUSIC ON iTUNES

Sabine Francoeur is hard at work on a solo debut album that will no doubt earn her a throng of fans. But, just who is Sabine Francoeur? What is her style like, and what should one expect from this artist? Judging from her eclectic musical tastes, her style blends many musical genres.

While in college, Francoeur says she took guitar lessons, though she never mastered the instrument. She’s looking forward to taking up the instrument again. In the meantime, she’s concentrating on her singing, and perfecting her songs. The artist says she loves to sing from life and bases her songs on her life experiences.

Check out this exclusive interview with the singer-songwriter.

In your bio, it says that your dad is actually a famed singer. Can you tell us about him?

My dad is Assade Francoeur. He was one of the lead singers of the famed group Ensemble Select de Coupé Cloué. He is well-known for writing songs like “Myan Myan”, “Marie-Jocelyne”, “Fanm Kolokent“, “Madan Marcel”, “Lovanna” and so on.

What are your memories of growing up with a musician dad?

Going to “Kemès” [get-togethers] on Sundays [Laughter]. Besides that, it wasn’t always fun—because he was often away for birthdays, holidays and other important family moments.

Musician parent doesn’t always mean musically-gifted child. But in your case, it did. At which point, did you discover that you had it in you?

I was thirteen years old when my dad first asked me to do background on a Coupé Cloué Valentine’s day song. However, it was when he asked me to sing the part of Maggie Jean-Louis in “Lovanna” for a show that he was performing in, that I realized that I could really sing. I was fifteen then.

How did your dad, and your family overall, feel about you pursuing music?

My dad introduced me to music. Music is who we are as a family. My sisters Yves and Martine can also sing, and in the past, we all three formed Saima. As a group, Saima released two albums in the 90’s Pou Sa Ka Sa and Chale. My parents were all for it.

Do you seek out your dad’s advice on business and creative matters related to music?

Yes! He’s the first one that I would call for confirmation on a song’s lyrics or a melody. His advice matters a lot to me.

Tell us about your creative process?

I’m now more involved in songwriting and producing then I was before. It starts with a melody coming into my head at any moment during the day. Always having a recorder with me becomes essential [Laughter]. I never know what I am going to come up with, and sometimes the ideas come and go but the good melodies always stick to my head.

A singer’s voice is a prized possession. How do you care for your voice?

First of all, I don’t smoke and I’m an occasional drinker. I practice my voice by singing difficult and challenging songs that helps me to practice my vocal range and that’s about it.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?

I’m a bit ashamed to say it, but it was back in 2003. In the past ten years, motherhood became my priority. I’m planning of going down real soon to start promoting my new album.

Do you think that there are different standards for men and women recording artists?

Wow! Where do I start? I think the Haitian music industry producers have not given the women a chance to evolve in the business. You hardly hear about events such as bal, or even concerts with a female act in the Haitian community and if you are not a man’s band, forget about getting a record deal. I can only think of two producers who believe in working with women. We have to work twice as hard—if not three times harder to prove ourselves.

What are you working on right now and what should we expect to hear from you in the future?

I am actually finishing the work on my first solo album that will come out at the beginning of 2014. It will contain twelve titles and represents a different side of me. In this new album, I have worked with artists such as Nickenson Prud’homme, Ralph Conde, JBeatz, Dener Ceide, Richard Cave and singer Armstrong Jeune with whom I sing the duet “M’pa Ka Tann” [I Can’t Wait]. My dad and I have also just finished working on a song “Madiba Mandela” to pay tribute to the great Nelson Mandela. It will come out in the upcoming weeks and will also be part of the new album. Back in October, we filmed “Assez De Toi” [Enough of You], a music video that will be released together with the album. My daughter and my niece are featured in the video, which will be a first for women artists in the Haitian music industry. They are both talented and they can also sing and rap. I have been working very hard with a great team—including my sisters—on this new production and I want it to make a great impact when it comes out. I want to please my fans as well as the new fans-to-be! I want to thank you so much for the support and keep up the great work. Live, love and music.

Connect with Sabine Francoeur on Twitter by CLICKING HERE, and be sure to connect with her on FACEBOOK HERE.

You probably know that song “Se Pa Pou Dat” (It’s About Time) by the singer Alan Cave .

Bet you like it.

Bet you’d wager that no one could do a decent cover of said song. Bet you’d wager that if someone did, said person wouldn’t be able to do justice to it. Riva Precil does. Outside of LaCaye Restaurant, an eatery in downtown Brooklyn, the singer-songwriter showcases the pipes of a cockatiel and canary and hummingbird combined, crooning out an incredible rendition of the song—accompanied by musicians Monvelyno Alexis, Roussel Pierre and Peter Barr.

Konpa music covers aren’t the only things that Riva Nyri has up her sleeves. Jazz is undeniably her thing too. Precil will be the first to confess her affinity for Jazz great Ella Fitzgerald. “My Funny Valentine” and “Misty”, two of the biggest trademark songs of the Fitzgerald musical repertoire, have already received the Riva Nyri Precil treatment.

Born in Brooklyn, of a Irish-Russian mother and a Haitian father, Precil lived in Haiti during her early childhood years. She earned a full scholarship to study Music Therapy at Loyala University in New Orleans. Read what she had to say to Kreyolicious.com during a convo.

Kreyolicious.com: Music obviously means a lot to you.

Yes, music is the air that I breathe. For as long as I can remember it has been my therapy, my consolation and my best friend. When I’m happy, I sing, when I’m sad or confused I sing, when I want to remember something I create a tune in my head to help me memorize it, when I create I listen to music, it plays a major role in everything that I do. Mizik mache nan san m!

Kreyolicious.com: Were you in chorus in elementary, middle or high school?

I started singing at a very young age because several family member of mine are musical. I began formal music training—piano—in elementary while attending Victorian School in Haiti—under Mr. Joseph. I auditioned for a few specialized high schools in New York and chose to attend LaGuardia High School for Music and Performing Arts—also known as the Fame school. I was in gospel choir, women’s choir, mixed choir, tout choir yo nèt! Then for college I went to Loyola University of New Orleans where I was a Music Therapy Major and I was in several choirs there as well. While in New Orleans I spent some time learning New Orleanian Creole songs—which was quite an amazing experience. Their culture is so similar to that of Haiti, which I why I attended college there to begin with, it reminded me so much of Jacmel. [Smiles]

Kreyolicious.com: Did you consciously develop a style, or do you think it’s something that came organically, through influences?

Mmm…the latter. It definitely came organically and is continuously developing. I’m still exploring different sounds and figuring out what works best for me, all the while staying out of my own way.

I think it’s so easy to get caught up in what other people expect of you that it sometimes clouds your judgment when deciding what resonates with you the most. I have many influences, but the biggest of all is the time I spent living in Haiti, that’s what weighs the most in my heart.

Kreyolicious.com: A singer’s life can be demanding, especially on the vocal chords. Do you take steps to care of your voice?

Mezanmi pa pale pawòl sa! Especially here in New York! The weather is the least conducive to vocal health. But I do the best I can. I bundle up and try to always wear a scarf in the winter. I refrain from screaming or speaking too loud while in noisy places—minding my volume at all times. I drink a lot of tea and hot water with lemon, ginger and honey. I never drink anything with ice, always room temperature. And whenever I take a shower I warm my voice up by doing various vocal exercises.

Kreyolicious.com: [Laughter] When should we expect a full-length album? And what do you hope to accomplish with it?

I’m currently in the studio working on the final touches of my first complete solo album, which I am so very excited about! I’m looking to release it by the spring of this year. It is a combination of traditional Haitian music fused with R&B and world beat influences. I plan on touring with the album and expanding my audience across the nation as well as overseas.

Kreyolicious.com: You also make jewelry. Do these streams of creativity ever cross or clash?

I strive to create a perfect harmony among all my passions so everything works hand in hand. I pull my inspirations from the same sources so it works beautifully. Much of the time I create both music and jewelry simultaneously. Art is art regardless of its form.

Kreyolicious.com: When was the last time you landed at an airport in Haiti?

I went to Haiti four times in the year of 2013. The last time was this past August. I plan on going againfor my album release in the spring. Haiti is my biggest source of inspiration and whenever I’m there I feel rejuvenated, at ease, and am filled with fresh ideas and an overflow of drive and determination. I try to go as often as I can.

Visit Riva Precil’s Youtube Channel | Check out Riva Precil’s Music On Soundcloud | Check out Riva Precil’s on Facebook | Follow Riva Nyri Precil on Twitter

The artist-actor and songwriter known as B. Notes is foremost a businessman. He’s the founder of Camilien Music Group, his own music publishing company. Ever heard of artists like Kanye West, Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, Jennifer Lopez, Jason Derulo, and Taylor Swift? Well, he’s worked with the producers on tracks for all of these artists. Born in Haiti, the now-artist and producer moved to Brooklyn when he was a pre-teen.

For his newly-released sixteen-track EP entitled This Isn’t For Everybody, he worked with a variety of producers in the New York area, including Soundwriter Music, JCanan, Downtown Music, DJ Shaw-T, Jcaspersen. The song “Laurie” rings so true you wonder if “Laurie” isn’t a real-life ex-girlfriend. The singer pleads, wishing for her comeback. But the lyrics state the ugly truth: she gave too many changes, and forgave too many transgressions. It was her time to go, and close the chapter and the book on the relationship forever. Produced by the c.u.b.s, and with producer-singer Elliot “Wolf Brown” providing background support, the track has all the emotions of a 1970s soul song, and all the earnestness of a Jodeci or Mint Condition track.

Produced by Diamond Style, “100K Miles” speak of finding fulfilling love at last. “Ride with Me” is a collaboration with producers Maskerade and Beats Hooks. B.Notes’ vocals seem to have been influenced by John Legend and Akon. Written by B.Notes, as is practically is the case with all of B.Notes songs, this track has the narrator as the victim. Payback for “Laurie”, maybe?

So, how did he get to where he is? Let’s get to the bottom of the story of B.Notes.

Kreyolicious: Tell us about yourself.
Music is my first life. I used to be a barber. I studied premed, music and acting in college. I do work to address social and health inequalities. I’m the oldest of 5. I’m an uncle. An ordinary guy with a goal to surpass expectations. Growing up in the hood was crazy, especially coming from a different culture and now in a whole new world, not being able to speak English. So you get picked on you know. It sometimes felt like survival of the fittest. [Laughter] I got into trouble here and there but music was always my escape or at least a way to deal with the weight of the world. As a singer and rapper, I make R&B, soul, trap, hiphop and pop music but as a songwriter, I write for artists from all genres; country, gospel, kompa, reggae to EDM. I’ve been blessed to work with various talented musicians from the up-and-comings to the Grammy winners. I’ve had a few big placements so far, but I’m grinding to one day win a Grammy myself. [Laughter]

Kreyolicious: A great aspiration to have. Who gave you the name B. Notes?
It was very hard to get a stage name that I was comfortable with. It took me a while to come up with B. Notes, but the process was enjoyable. The “B” is for my birth name “Brignel”, and “Notes” is for the fact that music is made of notes, and music is in my DNA.

Kreyolicious: Why do you think you are drawn to music?
Coming from a place that has extreme poverty, music was one of the best coping mechanisms around. You feel the drums in your heart and the notes in your soul. On top of the poverty, I was somewhat of a lone child. My father traveled to America before I had a chance to meet or remember him and my mother was a go-getter. She had no choice since she was the sole provider. She had a second child, but he passed away about a year after birth. Following his death was my mother’s own passing. So my childhood was something like a nightmare I wish I could wake up from. My family didn’t have the money to buy me toys and there were few recreational activities, so I liked building stuff and since my uncle used to play the guitar and build percussion for the local church, I started helping him. Eventually I learned to play them. My family told me that I used to always move to music and sing when I was a baby. My aunt Antoinette sent me a radio and I used to act like I was a real DJ. [Laughter] Going around with my shades on, playing music. You couldn’t tell me nothing. [Laughter] I was about four or five years old, I think. I knew I wanted to do music for the rest of my life, I just didn’t know how to make that happen. When I came to America, I fell in love with R&B, hip hop, gospel and soul music. But I first had to learn English in order to sing and write the English songs. I used to always sing in church. Dealing with the challenges in the hood required an escape and music and my faith was that for me. Honestly, my reason for learning English was more so that I can sing and write in English. [Laughter] Not really because I wanted to do well in school. When I realized that I was good at making music, my passion only got stronger and I wanted to become a professional, making a living doing it so that I can take care of my family, friends and others in need, especially the people I left back in Haiti.

Kreyolicious: Is the music scene in your hometown pretty exciting?
Absolutely, but it also depends on the type of music you’re making or you’re into. But generally, yes. Brooklyn is one of the most exciting places in the world.

Kreyolicious: What are you working on right now?
[Besides the] released of my new mixtape This is Not for Everybody, I’m working on the TV show and some promo tours. Just staying busy.

Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to up-and-coming artists? There are so many things I want to share but for the interest of time, I will hit a few of the main points here.
I would say learn the business, work on your craft and be the best you. I used to think if I didn’t sound like my favorite artists, I wasn’t good enough and I think that’s something a lot of upcoming musicians struggle with. But after analyzing the business and the many talented musicians out there, I realized the one thing that they all have in common is that they are the best version of themselves. What I mean is, don’t be afraid to explore your craft and musical abilities but don’t focus so much on trying to sing like Beyonce or rap like Kendrick Lamar or Kanye when your natural voice or flow is more like Drake, Rihanna or Adele. Basically, they are all very talented musicians with great voices, flow and image but at the same time they are all different. No matter how you sound or flow, perfect that and tell your truth, people will listen. The world has billions of people and you just need to connect with those that share your experiences or those your truth resonates with. I myself am still growing everyday and I’ve learned so much over the years from the bad to the great experiences, I can go on for days.

I feel that learning the business is key to having a successful music career. Also, unless you already have an invested inside connect with a big label or have a good buzz on the streets, your precious time will be better spent building your brand as opposed to chasing the labels. Because at the end of the day, it’s mostly about the money to them and they are more likely to choose a person that have more followings and a bigger buzz than a talented musician without those numbers. Because that’s a safer investment, numbers wise. It’s business. So, use the internet to help build your buzz. Get a team. It’s very hard and almost impossible to build a successful brand alone. Once you get enough buzz and traction, the labels will come to you and at that point you may not even need them. Also, humility goes a long way. Don’t let ego stiffen your growth. Use the power of networking. Invest in your music. The closer you get to achieving your dreams, the more hate and negative energy will come your way, but don’t give up or lose focus. Use the negative energy and hate to fuel your drive. Pray. Don’t get discouraged. Every mansion was build starting with one brick. So, don’t ever feel that you can’t do it because you can. Make this year your best year so far.

CHECK OUT BNOTES, HIS MUSIC AND HIS JOURNEY BY VISITING HIS WEBSITE HERE! ARE YOU A MUSICIAN? GET MORE ADVICE FROM BNOTES ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS! | THE ARTIST ON FACEBOOK! | GET A TASTE OF HIS MUSIC HERE!

Melanie Charles is like a musical octopus. With one hand she’s D’Flower, her alter ago. With another hand she holds the microphone as Melanie Charles, the singer who has graced stages in Brooklyn, Port-au-Prince, Portugal and Japan. And she’s also the co-founder of Rat Habitat, a musical project with fellow musician Jordan “Commissioner Wallace” Peters that has spawned the EP “Guns the Shoot Bubbles”. Rat Habitat’s musical style is a stew of electonica, alternative rock, and soul. Melanie herself is all-jazz, with roots, R&B, with finger print stains of hip-hop, soul, and rock. Won’t you follow your girl Kreyolicious as I interview this singer?

Photo Credit: Gabriel Encinas

K. St. Fort: ​What are your childhood memories of music, and growing up in a Haitian household? How did you get started singing?

Growing up, music has always been important to my family. My mom tells me that before I could speak, as a baby, I was always singing “la la la”. When I was 5, my mom tried to get our church organist Michelle McCoy, to give me voice lessons. But Ms. McCoy refused and said that I was too young, but she would give me piano lessons and when I turned 7 it would be time to start voice lessons. At 7, I sang my first solo in church and the rest is history.

K. St. Fort: Have you ever lost your voice prior to a performance? How did you deal?

I’ve never “lost my voice” per se, but there has been times when I couldn’t sing certain notes the way I would like. A combination of my vocal training and jazz study allowed me to use my technique to get the difficult notes out and/or use my improvisation skills, to choose alternate more easier notes. I actually really like when my voice is tired or raspy. I just go with it.

Photo Credit: Chris Carr, BK Wildlife

K. St. Fort: There is no mistaken that you are highly influenced by jazz. But who’s your main girl…Sarah Vaughan or Eartha Kitt, Sade or Billie Holiday…Jill Scott? Or could it be someone else?

That’s a tough question. I really, really love Sarah Vaughan and if you asked me this question five years ago, I would say Sarah right away. I love Billie Holiday, Letta Mbulu, Marlena Shaw. Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Anita Baker, but if I had to choose one, I would have to say Nancy Wilson Her album with Cannonball Adderly is one of the best “jazz” albums of all time. I fell in love with jazz because of that album and to this day she still inspires me.

Photo Credit: Chris Karr, BK Wildlife

K. St. Fort: Music consumes a lot of performers. How do you know when to stop and how do you manage to keep a clear balance…so that music doesn’t overly consume you.

Balance is very important to me. I can’t say that I’ve always been the best at it. Music definitely is and always has been my main focus. But as I’m getting older the importance of a balanced life has been more and more important to me. I meditate, practice yoga, Muay Thai boxing. I’ve gotten into gardening and I’ve been learning how to repair bikes. I work out everyday and I try to cook most of my meals. I find getting into these things allow me to actually “live a life”, and in turn, it helps keep me inspired.

K. St. Fort: I was watching this video of you on Youtube in preparation for our interview. I saw this one clip of you playing with Jesse Fischer & Soul Cycle, and there you were playing a flute. I thought, “Total coolness”. At which point did you learn how to play the flute? Is it an easy instrument?

I started playing flute in Junior High. The first week of class was when everyone got to choose their instruments. But I came to band class a week late, because I was in a vocal competition, so my instrument was already chosen for me. I was upset though! I wanted to play a loud instrument like the trumpet or saxophone! [Laughter] But I fell in love with it. And when I attended LaGuardia High School, I was a flute major. The flute is very hard. It’s rooted in the classical tradition. Today, I’m trying to use this classical instrument and tie it into my own music. Hubert Laws is an example of someone who does it amazingly. It’s something that I am always working on.

Above: Melanie Charles during a performance in Portugal. Photo Credit: Gabriel Encinas

K. St. Fort: You’ve sung in Kreyol too…

Yes, I enjoy singing many of the great haitian folk songs. The stories and melodies are beautiful. I find that my singing is different when I sing in Kreyol. It’s almost like playing another instrument. Being born in America, learning the music of my ancestors is a beautiful way to connect with my culture and my people.

K. St. Fort: A broken guitar can probably be repaired, or at least be replaced. A performer’s voice is practically irreplaceable. What steps do you take to take care of your instrument?

Because I’ve done a great deal of vocal training early on, I’m pretty well set up vocally. The most important thing for me now is plenty of sleep and hydration. I also try to avoid spending too much time in air conditioning. You can often find me with a scarf wrapped around my neck even in the warmer seasons.

K. St. Fort: You attended New School University for Jazz and Contemporary Music. What was it like there? What are some of the things that you learned?

I had a great time at The New School. Some of the most important things I learned was how to write lead sheets, how to find my identity as a vocalist. I learned how to lead a band and get arrangements together. The ability to gather a band, present them with the music and get a good sound are all very valuable skills.

Photo Credit: Gabriel Encinas

K. St. Fort: And, throughout this…how did your parents react, knowing that you wanted to take music to such a level that you were willing to spend such a considerable time on it?

My mom wanted me to be a musician. She said that when she was pregnant with me, she prayed that I would be a musician. From day one, she has been an amazing support to me and my musical journey. She is my harshest critic and my biggest fan. And I love it! Being a Haitian mom, this is something that is very rare. I am blessed to have her support.

Photo Credit: Josue Azor

K. St. Fort: What’s the best musical experience you’ve ever had…hands down?

I’ve had man great experience but if I had to choose one, I would have to say singing at the Port-au-Prince Jazz Festival in 2012 was a highlight. It was my first time in Haiti and for me to sing to hundreds of my people really moved me. I felt the spirit of my late grandmother with me. As I walked on the stage, tears of joy were in my eyes. Definitely a highlight.

K. St. Fort: Do you keep strong links to Haitian culture? Go to Haiti often?

I’ve only been to Haiti twice. The second time I went, I spent a month with my aunt and uncle in the mountains of Thomasin. It was one of greatest learning experiences I’ve ever had. I would like to go more often. But while I’m in the States, I am constantly learning, asking questions and reading more about the voodoo culture. I incorporate different aspects of my Haitian roots in my music and I am proud to be an art ambassador for Haiti wherever I go.

K. St. Fort: We grow, or we are put in situations where we have to at least. What would you say to the Melanie Charles of say, 4-7 years ago?

I would tell her that being focused on music is great but also remember to be a kid. Nurture friendships. Have fun!

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Don’t try putting singer-songwriter Ada Ayiti in a box. She’ll crawl right out of it, with her strong mixture of roots, jazz, and world music. With her twists falling down her shoulders, and the earth tones she favors in her music videos, the Paris-born, US-raised songstress, is a breath of the freshest air.

She wants you to know that she’s got lots of goodies in her musical malèt. She’s keen with the visuals too. In her Abdias Laguerre-directed, Arturo Lorde-photographed music video for her song “Defile”, Ada prances about in East and West African-inspired patterns, and she’s surrounded by women who dress as if they could be from last century. The word “Defile” can be translated as strut, walk, catwalk, and in just peering at the first few seconds of the music video, it’s an obvious ode to female empowerment in the same vein and thread as Talie’s “Bèl Tifi”. Females are congregating, sharing laughs, telling jokes, and bouncing with joy all over the screen.

Ada’s stage shows in the New York area has folks in the audience feeling as if they’re seeing Heather Headley’s cousin belting on the mic…

Now, ahem, enter the world of Ada…through this interview…via your girl Kreyolicious….

K. St. Fort: So, how long have you been singing?

I’ve been singing all my life – but I’ve been “organized” now for a little over 10 years.

K. St. Fort: Your name is Ada…if only there were an “i” between the A and the D…you’d be Aida, like in the opera. Do you happen to like or listen to opera?

I do…I’m a big fan of Maria Callas.

K. St. Fort: Some people start off in chorus in elementary, middle or high school. Was that the case with you?

I was involved in every school activity that involved singing! Chorus, drama club etc—and that’s only because singing at home was not enough. I wanted to sing more, so I joined them all.

K. St. Fort: Who are some of your favorite music and artists, and what do you like about them?

There are so many! But to narrow it to three or four, I would say Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone. Musically, the tunes speak to me, but it’s the message in the music that really made me fall in love with them as artists.

K. St. Fort: If you could choose two male duet partners, and a female duet partner, who would you choose…each for a different song?

Because I’m doing a lot of Haitian influenced music right now, I would have to choose Belo and Arly Lariviere. For women, I’m a big fan of Lunise from RAM – It would be dope to collab with them, and come up with a sick rasin [roots music] track. I can already see it!

K. St. Fort: What should every aspiring performer know about the music business?

I learned this year, after knowing how difficult it is to be in the business, that you can’t do it alone. You need a team of people to take care of every aspect that you as the artist can’t do alone. Which is management, marketing, styling, etc… the artist should focus on the craft and find ways to challenge themselves. But to do more than that is really stifling. So find yourself people who support you 100%. If they believe in you and your work, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who are going to make sure things are happening and happening right.

K. St. Fort: A singer’s voice is definitely a valuable asset. How much time do you put into rehearsals and in training your voice?

I sing every day! Rehearsals are everything. For any upcoming performances, I like to rehearse as much as possible with my musicians…at least every other day until show date. It’s also important to adopt singing exercise that best suits you. Before every performance I have a rule where I stop talking a couple of hours before show time. Saves me from using my vocal chords and it’s great meditation.

K. St. Fort: Performers are known to be busy little bees. What are you working on at the moment?

Writing lots of music to take to the studio. We got some great producers that we’re working with. I’m really excited about giving my audience something they will be happy with.

K. St. Fort: What are we to expect from you in the future?

I’m in the business to make good music. Not something that’s hot for the moment or for promotional use only. It’s really important to me to give my audience something that can last. Something they can play five to ten years from now.

[Photos courtesy of Atizan International]

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In Part 1 of the interview with singer Naida Lynn, I discussed her beginnings with her, her and now for Part 2, we’ll go deeper into her artistry and her future and learn even more about music. Proceed and read this Kreyolicious interview.

K. St. Fort: You’re a songwriter. Do you work on your own melodies too?

Yes! Totally! The songs and the melodies often come hand in hand. For me, a lyric isn’t complete if it isn’t properly syncopated with the melody and vice versa! I see songwriting as one beautiful symphony that isn’t right until it fits right at the gut level. This includes having clear, relatable lyrics married to a moving, beautifully catchy melody.
 
K. St. Fort: As a performer, you’re in the spotlight. You’ve got people looking you up and down at your performances, looking at you from every angle. But I suppose that’s something you get used to. When do you feel the most beautiful? 

Such a good observation. It’s true! I feel the most beautiful when I look in the mirror right before I leave my home. As a flash-fashionista, I put a lot of effort into what I wear when I know there will be a lot of eyes on me. Perhaps it’s because my style only has two gears: Either I look like a bum—totally dressed down, head wrapped, no makeup, in mismatched pajamas—, or BAM! I look good [wide smile] Swag. That’s why I call it flash-fashion because it comes and goes as quick as a flash mob! [Laughter]

But the thing about my efforts in looking good is that as soon as I take one final look in the mirror and am happy with what I see, I stop caring. I don’t think about it much after that because as long as I love what I’m looking at, I feel confident and beautiful the whole time. People may compliment me or criticize me—but as far as I’m concerned—it’s irrelevant.

 
K. St. Fort: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?

I find your question interesting. Staying connected to my culture isn’t something I think about because I feel like it’s so ingrained in who I am. I speak to my family in Creole everyday, eat Haitian food often, and find interest in staying abreast to what’s going on with my people. Being myself everyday and staying connected to my family and friends creates a natural filter through which I see and experience life. Sometimes I forget words in English because I only know them in Kreyol or I’ll hang out with non-Haitian friends and be reminded of how Haitian I am when we do things differently. Though I’ve only been twice to the motherland—a year before the earthquake and the year after—I love my people. It would be my pleasure to be able to visit more often in the future.

K. St. Fort: What are you working on right now?

Currently, I am working on expanding and simplifying my brand. For years, people have known me as ‘just’ the singer/songwriter. But I’m in the process of incorporating two other main pillars into what I do. They include writing & motivational speaking. In this way, there will be one umbrella of inspiring people which will have three manifestations: music, literature, and teaching.

A huge part of what I’m about is self-discovery and living life on purpose. I do that daily from the time I wake up to the time I sleep. I am a unique individual who is full of dreams, ideas, and hobbies. I’ve found that being so intentional with my time on earth has genuinely created such a powerful, amazing life for me! I can’t help but think that as freely as I have received such a life, I want to now give this life and show people how to do it!

Of course, it will look totally different than mine, but what I want to do is expose people to the possibilities out there so much so that it provokes change in them!

So, a lot of what I’m doing these days is working on the foundation of our company—that is launching a lifestyle blog, writing the curriculum for seminars that I want to do, and brainstorming about taking my music to the next level. All the while, I am performing at various places and continually songwriting.

[Photography Credit: Timed Beauty by Sally, Oscar Torres and Behind the Face Photography]

NAIDA ON FACEBOOK| NAIDA LYNN ON INSTAGRAM| NAIDA LYNN ON TWITTER| NAIDA LYNN’S WEBSITE
CLICK HERE to buy her music on iTunes.

If you were to meet Melissa Laveaux on the streets of Paris, you would swear that she’s just like any other girl about town. Sure, she loves to read, argue, dance, solve puzzles, travel, and listen to a ridiculous amount of music. But she records music too. The Montreal-born, Ottawa-raised, and now France-residing singer, and daughter of Haitian parents released her newest album Dying is a Wild Night. It’s her second full-length album on a major record label.

Prior to that, she wasn’t exactly a musical wallflower, opening for Angolan singer Lura at festivals and for alternative artist Meshell Ndegeocello and creating plenty of buzz with her self-released album Camphor & Copper. Following its initial release, and a second version of Camphor & Copper was released by No Format.

Barely a year after she had graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Ottawa, Ms. Laveaux was already high-riding at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Laveaux’s voice is very complex. It’s like listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Dionne Farris all at once.

“The Postman” is the first single off of the Dying is a Wild Night album. Its accompanying video, with its images of forest ballerinas in body paint, has an almost macabre quality to it. “The Postman”—in question—is a mysterious woman dressed in a top hat outfit, but one gets a feeling that she’s not getting ready for a pleasant evening of tap dancing, but for something more sinister. The entire video feels like a prelude during the intermission of a horror film at a decrepit movie theatre house.

“Pretty Girls,” the second single is less frightening. A sarcasm-filled title, for the song isn’t about young ladies at a pageant, or polite and fresh little maidens with sincere smiles, and twirling little umbrellas, but rather about the ruthlessness and aggressiveness of, well, mean girls.

Laveaux’s is the 2nd full-length album and it is released to independent label No Format. It is distributed in France by Universal Classics and around the world (except Canada) by Naive.

Q & A

Can you think back to the first song, and perhaps first album that made this profound, had this profound effect on you as a person?
I think Martha Jean-Claude’s Canciones de Haiti. Her voice, especially its grain, was probably the first voice that ever touched me. I remember listening to her rendition of a classic Haitian lullaby ‘Dodo Titit’, which I covered on my last album. Her life story, her activism before, during and after the dictatorship years have always been fascinating. I recently went back to listen to her album, and this time, the songs that struck me were “Potpourri” which is a medley of very salacious songs – very daring for a woman of her age at that time. And the other was “Angelina” which I later found out, was a poke at an American general’s wife, while on the surface sounding like a harmless childrens’ song. She had guts. She imprisoned – pregnant! And she survived it all. I find her a feminist inspiration to this day.

What was it like growing up Haitian?
It’s like growing up in two different worlds. You’re Haitian at home but then you’re parents make sure you’re Canadian outside of the home. They desperately want you to know your roots, but they also desperately want you to integrate seamlessly into Canadian society and culture. I spoke French at school and at home and spoke English with my friends and my sister. I compartmentalized everything in order to keep things clear in my head. But as I grew up, my “Haitianness” and my “Canadianess” became one fluid [indissoluble] identity.

What can you tell us about this album, this album that seems to have been in you for quite some time now, and that you are finally giving birth to?
It’s called Dying Is a Wild Night, which is an Emily Dickinson quote. The full quote is actually quite positive: “Dying Is a wild night and a new road”. Knowing the full title of the album, one can understand that it isn’t exactly about dying so much as it is about leaving things behind you and moving to something else. Departure is difficult but incredibly rewarding, as was my leaving Canada for France. The album is about the experience of this voyage—mostly in my head—that shook me changed me, changed the way I wrote music, the way I loved people, the way I do everything. I had to grow up when I moved to Paris, and I still have plenty of growing to do. So it’s essentially an album about shedding one’s own skin.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?
Sixteen years ago was the first and last time I went to Haiti on vacation with my family. It was my first time my mom had been back since she was eighteen—thirty-two years before. It was devastating at first. My parents really noticed how the country had taken a major blow under different [governments]. I remember hanging out with my cousins in Cap Haitien. I remember eating the best food I had eaten thus far in my short life. Seeing the sea for the first time. People begging me to straighten my hair so I “not look like a maid”. Not liking the heat so much—I’m a winter baby. My mother was a different person there than she was in Canada. As I was a different person when I was inside my own home. I understood my parents better.

Do you find yourself inspired by Haitian culture?
Yes, but I think it’s all subliminal. I am a strong believer that culture is not only transmitted through teaching and rearing but also through blood. Haitians, as most islanders have a way of referring to the sea in a lot of their written work, I didn’t even notice I did that until someone else pointed it out to me. I like Haitian humor and over-the-top drama – it’s totally harsh but it really nourishes my writing without me even noticing it. I love Creole because as a contextual language, you can say so much with so little: this economy of words I try to keep in mind when I write songs.

In terms of studying music formally—do you think that is a necessity to being a success in the musical world?
I would recommend some form of formal training just because it provides one with a larger set of skills. Versatility is the only way to achieve longevity in the music industry. I would love to compose for film in the future, but I think I will have to take up a bit of specific training for that. I find myself limited in terms of what I can do in terms of arrangements. I was very grateful to have the producers I had on this album. But if all you want to do is write songs, then listen to good music. That’s my training. I try to develop my music palette and taste level by listening to music constantly and I try to read novels as well as non-fiction as often as a can.

Turns out that you write a lot of your own songs. Every performer-songwriter’s process is different. What’s yours like?
I try to keep a guitar within reach when I am at home. I let creative juices flow by listening to a lot of music or reading a lot of books that I think will inspire me. Edwidge Danticat is a big one for me. And recently Alejo Carpentier. A song will come to me because a melody will find its way into my ear and I can’t stop humming or singing a few bars until I reach a pen and paper. Sometimes I’ll be playing a cover of an old tune I like and the mistake of a misplaced finger will give me ideas for a new chord structure. I try to avoid writing as a 9 to 5 sort of gig. Those songs rarely ever make it onto an album.

Do you ever co-write with other songwriters? How does that usually work out?
I share composition responsibilities with my producers – The Jazz Basterds—Vincent Taurelle, Vincent Taeger and Ludovic Bruni—on three songs of the album because they changed the structure of the song or changed some of the chords. Other than that, I write alone. My songs are very personal and it would be weird to have someone else write something that hadn’t affected them at all. I don’t know if I see myself writing with someone else in the future, but I’m open to trying new things!

What entertainers and performers you look up to?
The aforementioned Martha Jean-Claude, Wildbirds and Peacedrums, My Brightest Diamond, Camille, Aretha Franklin, Tune-Yards, Feist.

What do your parents and other family members think of your being a musical artist?
I’m not sure they like the music… But I think they’re all very happy whenever they see me on TV or hear me on the radio. They’re happy to see I’ve made a viable career out of my craft and that I’m not broke and alone in another country.

Who would you like to collaborate with musically in the future?
Santigold? Wildbirds & Peacedrums? Valgeir Sigurdsson? Flying Lotus? Little Dragon? Devendra Banhardt? Timber Timbre? I know, that’s a lot of a bands. I couldn’t pick just one. All these people are incredibly talented. I would love to have a song in a [Quintin] Tarentino film! Or an old Kathryn Bigelow film. I’m a big fan of her Strange Days and Point Break period.

What’s next for you?
Preparing the live show: we have a residency coming up to work on sound and lights and stage presence. Promoting the album is a crazy exhausting rush. I’m doing a lot of interviews right now. I’m currently answering these questions at 5 a.m. on a Sunday morning [Paris time].

Photo Credit: Jean-Baptiste Millot, Emma Pick

Connect with the artist HERE.